Category Archives: News

Australia’s film and creative industry will continue to boom under the Turnbull Government’s Location Incentive which will attract international blockbusters to be made on Australian soil. The $140 million Location Incentive will be delivered over four years from 2019-20 and will bring in over $260 million in new foreign investment to the local economy. These…

Urgent Reminder: The New South Wales Branch Luncheon is being held in “The Yarra-Murra Room” at The Grace Hotel, Cnr York & King Sts, Sydney on Thursday May 24, 2018 at 12.30pm for 1.00pm. Please RSVP as soon as possible to the Secretary/Treasurer at 9 Collins Cres, Lapstone, 2773, Payment by Cheque or Money Order.…

Dear Cinema Pioneers, Sadly cinema industry doyen Maurice Scott passed away on Saturday after a long illness. He was arguably one of most respected and well known theatre managers of our time. He was also an excellent raconteur and ranks amongst the most entertaining speakers I have heard. Close friend Ross Campbell has prepared the…

On Monday 19 March a plaque was unveiled at the site of the former Wintergarden Cinema in Rose Bay, Sydney, to recognise the place where talkies were first screened in a Sydney suburb. National President Tim Read was invited to the event, along with other Pioneers. Woollahra Council initiated the project, and Councillor Anthony…

ASE MOVIE NIGHT is a monthly event where editors show and discuss their work. From ASE’s Nick Meyers: “We at the ASE are starting up a new series of events where, just as it says above, Editors can show and discuss their work. The plan is to establish a regular event at a regular venue. That way…

Last week NSW President of the Australian Cinematographers Society, Roger Lanser, hosted two industry visitors to ACS Headquarters, Tim Read, President and Sandra Alexander, Secretary of The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers. Both were in high praise of the facilities provided to ACS members and of the level of commitment and dedication that members have put into the refurbishment…

LOVE COLLECTABLES of the FILM and CINEMA VARIETY? Then all roads lead to Melbourne! This wonderful CINE-TREASURES SALE – is on SUNDAY 22nd April from 10am til 5pm at 157 CUTHBERT ST, BROADMEADOWS (Vic). Just a few doors from the railway station. This is the treasured, life-long collection of the late Vincent McMurray, the sale…

OUR INDUSTRY’S CHARITY URGENTLY NEEDS YOUR HELP – an appeal from MPIBS Chair Murray Forrest. Now in its 87th year, the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society has been providing much needed financial and emotional assistance to our industry colleagues who have fallen on difficult times. Since 1931, over $4,5m has been dispensed to hundreds of…

John Politzer, a highly respected exhibitor and distributor who was an influential supporter of Australian films, died on Thursday 8th March 2018 after a long illness, aged 83. As Greater Union’s programming manager from 1979 until 1995, he championed dozens of local films including Sunday, Too Far Away, Caddie, Fran, Kitty and the Bagman, Bliss, Praise and Strictly Ballroom.…

We regret to inform the Society of the sad passing of member Ray Erenshaw, aged 88. Ray entered the industry via his involvement with the family’s Strand Theatre in Ashford (NSW). For many years he was the very proud operator of the Regent Theatre at nearby Delungra. He also operated picture-shows in Inverell and district,…